Tornadoes look to cook up a storm in the Lion’s Den

22nd February 2017

This Saturday marks the opening day of the 2017 Women’s American Football season, which sees last year’s runners up, the Hertfordshire Tornadoes travel to Birmingham to face 3 time and reigning national champions the Birmingham Lions. Not only that, but the Tornadoes are also facing off against a team new to the 7-a-side game this year, the London Warriors. Although new to the format, the Warriors were comprehensive division 2 winners in 2016, and will look to bring that same winning formula to the table on Saturday in the hope of making a big impression in the countries premier women’s football division.

Birmingham Lions.

Birmingham Lions have been the best team in British American Football for the last three years, with the likes of GB stars Jo Kilby, Phoebe Schecter and Ruth Matta on their roster. They’re undoubtedly the Tornadoes’ toughest opposition in Division 1, and proved to be a test too far for Hertfordshire last season. But with the likes of Oli Davies returning from secondment, and a fortified defence with Amanda Humphries returning from injury, not to mention a few notable transfers in the off season, they hope to give Birmingham the competition they’re looking for.

London Warriors

Although they’re new to 7s, the London Warriors are not to be underestimated. National Flag champions in 2015 and Contact Division 2 champs in 2016, the Warriors have some pretty big weapons on offence and defence. Mel Davies is a brilliant new talent, who recently earned her first Great Britain cap against Spain in the summer of 2016. The Warriors also have GB vets Jayne Meadows and Lucie Stewart on defence, who are always a threat to the aerial game. Young Tornadoes quarterback Sydney Green, who also earned her first Great Britain cap in the summer, will have to be at her very best to ensure her team comes away with the W against the Warriors.